2015, AKPABIO AND THE FEAR OF ORO NATION Mma-Sir was my late paternal grand mothers friend. At about 86 years old she could barely see but very sharp with her ears. Ever Charming old lady she never got tired of welcoming you with her toothless smile. But on this day Mma was in rage as we arrived her small but neat room to wish her well as usual. Mma said we should tell Obong Victor Attah to stop fighting Oyong Asuquo (now late). I was taken aback. Mma talking politics? She could barely see, therefore, she read no newspaper neither did she listened to radio nor TV. And during this time there was a little misunderstanding between late Oyong, then Chairman Oron LGA and Gov Attah. How did Mma know about it? To add to my confusion, Mma informed us that some years back, Attah was advised by Late Dr Clement Isong to be wary of Oron elites, if he ever finds himself in a position of authority. Mma claimed that the idea was to weaken Oro politically, and ensured that they produce as few strong voices as possible. A strong Oro may align with their Annang brothers and give the minorities an impetus which may, some day, be difficult to contain. Mma claimed this was the purpose of Dr Isongs advice. Where did Mma get all these I thought quietly. She couldnt go out because of her age; neither has she ever met either Attah nor Late Isong. I simply laughed over Mmas story and brushed it aside. Old age I concluded. After all Obong Attah never denied Oro their rights. Under Obong Attah Oro was a strong voice. It was this morning when I ran into an old Program that was used for Mmas burial that I recalled her claim and it suddenly dawned on me the difference between Gov Attah and our amiable Gov Akpabios policies towards Oro nation. 1. No Oro man has been empowered (in the real sense of the word) since 2007. The likes of Oyong from Oro emerged during Attahs regime financially sound. 2. Today none of the 3 positions of Governor, Deputy Governor nor Speaker of the House is held by an Oro son. Under Gov Attah Oro held Speakership and State Party Chairmanship among other positions. 3. Not even consolation price of SSG. 5. State Chief Judge - Nay. 6. Vast array of projects that dot the state - (limited in Oro). Questions abound. What is happening? I know Gov Akpabio is also from a minority block. Weakening one minority implies weakening the minorities. Is he inadvertently employing a self-limiting strategy? If Akpabio wasnt himself from minority block one would have concluded that maybe Obong Attah slipped the advice to Gov Akpabio in his handing-over-note. But that would not make sense. So why is Akpabio doing this? What would Gov Akpabio hope to achieve from weakening an ally like Oro. Would America hope to achieve anything from weakening an ally like Israel, for instance? Would the Annang nation be better off if Oro is brought to its hands and knees? Time would tell. The race for Governorship 2015 is here. If this theory is anything to go by Akpabio may rather back the Ibibios of ESD. Should he succeed, the Ibibios of ISD may as well warm up for 2023 because what is good for the Ibibios of ESD may also taste sweet for Ibibios of ISD. James Abang writes from Atte Village in Urueoffong/Oruko.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 23:33:40 +0000
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